Manchester City are once again being linked with a £60 million move for Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte.
The 23-year-old has long been tipped to become a world-class defender, and has been linked with a host of Europes biggest clubs over the last few seasons.
City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a big fan of the talented youngster, and he came close to joining the Citizens last summer.
Laporte came through the youth ranks at Bilbao with his pace, strength, and composure on the ball having won him many admirers over the last few seasons.
He has been in fine form for the Basque side in this season, having made 27 appearances so far this term.
Despite Laporte being under contract until 2020 and his buy-out clause set at £60 million, City are desperate to sign another top class centre-back and may make a move before the window shuts.
Vincent Kompany has struggled with fitness issues all season, and Eliaquim Mangala looks way short of Premier League quality, so Guardiola deems it crucial that his club strengthen in the centre of defence this month.
One additional benefit of signing the young Frenchman is that he would be eligible to play in the Champions League.